Palm Coast, FL – Sharing the many benefits of having a Florida Inland Navigation District in the communities along the 400 plus miles of Intracoastal Waterway, Flagler County was in the spotlight on Thursday evening as Flagler County’s FIND Commissioner Randy Stapleford hosted the public meet and greet community outreach event.
Joined by more than half of the Florida Inland Navigation Districts’ 12 commissioners, it was an opportunity for the community to attend and learn more about what this little known commission does to support communities along the ICW and the economic impacts projects have on the communities’ bottom line.
“Tonight is the public outreach meeting which precedes the commissioners meeting tomorrow,” said Stapleford.
“We invite all the elected officials, anyone who’s involved in navigation issues along the 406 miles of our Intracoastal Waterway, including about 50 percent inland into the Okeechobee Waterways.”
Stapleford, a retired U.S. Navy Captain, aviator and current district aide for military and veterans affairs in the office of U.S. Congressman Michael Waltz, was excited to talk details with members of the community, sharing just a few of the standout projects underway.
“We do dredging, we do marinas, anything that has to do with the flow of the natural waters into the Intracoastal Waterway, we will have something to do with, such as the Palm Coast waterfront project, Flagler Beach waterfront project, the Bings Landing project that we did and a cast of many, many other projects that we’re involved with,” he said.
While tolls are no longer charged to traverse the ICW as in the early 1900s, the Commission, created by the Florida Legislature in 1927, does receive tax payer funding via property taxes to support the local projects and maintenance, something longtime resident Shelly Edmonson is grateful for.
“It was an honor to be a part of tonight’s event,” said Edmonson. “FIND is a critical organization that helps oversee and maintain our ICW. As a lifelong resident of Flagler County, I am so grateful for the work they do in our community.”
Stapleford was appointed in 2021 to represent Flagler County on the FIND Commission after the passing of longtime representative and former Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts. Netts’ wife Priscilla joined the evening’s event to show her support.
Gracious with time and helping others get involved in the organization, Stapleford has racked up a few fans of his own including treasure hunter Darrell Miklos who was on hand to display some of his deep sea treasures in addition to the African American Cultural Center’s Smithsonian Water/Ways Exhibit, and art works from Dave Bowers and Ed Siarkowicz.
